tulum - so boho-chic
Tulum, a bohemian hippie's dream. From the dreamy hanging couches to the treehouses that fit into the surroundings, Tulum is a place for relaxation, mindfulness, and exquisite culinary indulgence.
When I was thinking about where I wanted my first feature destination to be, I definitely wanted to share a location that we, as Americans, can currently travel to. Secondly, I wanted to focus on somewhere that offered fun vibes, unique accommodations, and a connection with nature through wellness. Let’s be honest, we all need some mindfulness and wellness after all of this quarantining.
Tulum is a unique destination - just a short drive from Cancún, located on the Yucatan peninsula - it is home to famous cenotes, white sandy beaches, and bright blue water.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Tulum is an amazing destination for boutique hotels. Most are 4 star and offer unique hotel rooms and suites. Included below are a few of my favorites - their rates are usually around $300 to $500 depending on the accommodation and time of year. A rule of thumb - if you are DEAD SET on going somewhere without any hesitation of change, book that non-refundable rate as it’s usually at a great discount.
CASA MALCA
Casa Malca’s experience is more than getting away, it’s about connecting with yourself and the wild. It is a 71 room / suite hotel with an eclectic mixture of accommodations - including their Laberinth Suite (this most likely would be more than $500 a night but hey, if you’re feeling like a baller).
NÔMADE TULUM
Surrounded by tropical forest on a Tulum beach along the Caribbean Sea, this chic resort is 126 km from Cancún International Airport. Nômade is owned by the same company as Be Tulum, a 5-star hotel in Tulum. Nômade Hotel is the definition of boho-chic.
For a special stay, check out their treehouse accommodations that soar high into the Tulum sky.
HABITAS TULUM
Habitas is designed to coexist with nature. The Jungle Rooms have palapa roofs, the Ocean Rooms have canvas walls, and the Pool Rooms, well, have a pool. I mean, unique right?
And another notable mention is the restaurant - Moro. Chef Horacio Dardano has brought Mediterranean flavors over to the coast of Mexico.
HOTEL SANARÁ TULUM
Sanará means “you will heal”. It is an absolutely wonderful 17-room property that is eco-focused.
They offer an oceanfront studio that can be used for yoga sessions along with a health-conscious restaurant concept.
PAPAYA PLAYA PROJECT
Papaya Playa Project is a Design Hotel that is sustainable with a laid-back atmosphere. Hit the beach with the top DJs and party all day.
The hotel is also located on nearly 900-meters of pristine beach making it quite exclusive.
DINING
Dining in Tulum is such a unique experience with so many wonderful options - from the difficult reservation at Hartwood to Beefbar at Hotel Esencia - you will not be disappointed. Below are just a few notable restaurants. I’m not saying these are easy to get into, but dang would it be worth it if you could get a reservation.
Throughout the week, we travel hours into the interior of the Yucatan to markets and farms where we collect ingredients that allow us to offer our customer a new and exciting taste of a community that has existed for centuries. All of these aspects come together each day and allow for a humble way of cooking within an environment that we are truly grateful to be a part of. *Courtesy of hartwoodtulum.com
Seafood heavy menu
Beefbar Esencia – Xpu-ha, Mexico is a true epicurean experience thanks to a menu based on simplicity, the finest high-quality ingredients, and a selection of exceptional meat cuts from Australian Black Onyx and Wx Wagyu beef, and Certified Japanese Kobe beef. Simple, comfort food delicacies prepared to order in our open kitchen and brick oven. *Courtesy of hotelesencia.com
Obviously try any of their beef… not me because I don’t eat beef but I’ll take their word for it
Seasonal local ingredients cooked in a wood burning oven & open fire grill. Menu has been designed for an interactive, sharing dining experience. *Courtesy of grupogitano.com
Rotating menu daily
Must try any of their mezcal drinks
Created by Sanará Co-Founder Daniella Hunter, their flagship Real Coconut Restaurant is now world-renowned for its life changing plant-focused, 100% gluten, grain, and dairy free recipes. *Courtesy of sanarahotels.com
For all of you healthy peeps
GET EXPLORIN’
From the ruins to the cenotes - enjoy more than just the beaches in Tulum.
Mayan ruins in the jungle of Cobá
Chichen Itza
Valladolid
Dive into some hidden cenotes
Sian Kaan Natural Biosphere
Mesoamerican Coral Reef - second largest in the world
Visit Daniel Popper’s sculpture
Want some DJ / party action? Head to Papaya Playa - almost an endless party
Try Mexican craft beer
IK Lab - contemporary art gallery
SO-MILLENNIAL SECTION
INSTA-FAMOUS
It wouldn’t be a millennial blog without a mention of instagram-worthy photo ops.
Couch Swing at Casa Malca
“Follow that Dream” sign
Coba Mayan ruins - some exploration also involved
Any cenotes that you can find - typical pose is drifting in the blue / green water
Picture of your food - classic
THE BEACHES, duh
Tulum sign in the downtown main square
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Josa Tulum - one of Tulum’s best known boutiques
Caló - concept boutique located directly in front of Gitano
Bendito Tulum - dream catchers galore
Caravana Monteacristo - trendy women’s fashion brand
Del La Rosa - located on Tulum’s beach road selling women’s and men’s clothing
KM33 - linen dresses and fun accessories
La Troupe - part showroom / part shop
TRAVEL TIPS
Best Time To Go - The end of October until December is the best time to travel to Tulum. Hurricane season is over and the weather is the bomb.com.
How To Get Around - Taxis are easy and … CHEAP!
Pro Tip - Bring cash with you as many restaurants and taxis only accept cash - pesos or USD.
